Grace & Peace from God the beloved and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ with the Holy Spirit!
What does the destruction of Sin and death really mean for us in this Easter season? And is this a statement we can make with any certainty as Christians? Does sin not exist in today’s world? Do we not die as people? How can we make such bold claims?
While it is true these things do exist still, the point of Jesus’ entire ministry wasn’t to eradicate what life is under God’s ordinance. Yes, there is sin because yes people have free will and will always find ways to act unjustly. Yes, we are from dust so to dust we shall return. However, Jesus’ ministry didn’t eradicate these facts but rather transformed them into a new order and a new relationship with God. Sin exists but that no longer defines us in the eyes of God, nor does it have the power to cut us off from God’s love. Yes, our bodies will die but our spirits if carrying Christ shall never taste death and we shall know of the resurrection firsthand. It isn’t an eradication of what life is but a transfiguration breathing life into what previously brought death.
Jesus’ most miraculous promised, that he would raise himself from the dead within three days of his death happened. So, if this is true, how can we not pay heed to everything else he said as well. “The least among you shall be the greatest” “In my father’s house there are many rooms” “blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called children of God” “whenever you do this for the least of these you shall also do it for me” “love one another as I have loved you”. With the resurrection these aren’t just nice ideas spoken by an ancient theologian but rather the words of God enfleshed for the salvation of all people.
If sin cannot define us, there are no limits as to the good we can do in the eyes of God, no matter how far your fall from grace was, it’s not so far that God won’t reach out to embrace you. If death is no longer a threatening evil but a promised reconciliation and eternal communion with Christ, then what could possibly hold us down? The crucifixion and resurrection undercut all presupposed wisdom to make way for where God’s passion truly lies, with the poor, the outcast and the sinners. Easter is about the implications of the Resurrection changing absolutely everything we think we know to make way for the miracles of God.
Oh, Sin where is your stain, oh death where is you sting? The have been banished through our savior’s death and resurrection for our sake and the sake of all humanity. This is the love our God shares with us and the love at the heart of this season’s celebration.
May the resurrection life ever be in your heart this season.
Yours in Christ,
Pr Garth Olsen